Algae Biofuel Part 1

Intro -

     Because of the rapid advancement of global warming, as you may know, scientists are working on finding alternative options for energy: Renewable energy. You might be familiar with solar energy, wind energy, and water energy, but one of the lesser know forms of RE (Renewable energy) are biofuels. Biofuel is basically fuel produced from organic matter, such as corn, soy, sugar cane, etc...However as humans need food to survive, it seems, in some ways, wasteful to use the space and food only to produce energy. In fact these foods produce a very minimal amount of biofuel which brings us to algae. 

     Algae is not only easy to grow, but also produces much more biofuel than the foods above while feeding on carbon and bacteria while providing us with oxygen. Algae seems to be the perfect RE, but as you read on you, you will discover not only the pro's, but the con's of algae biofuel. 

Pro's -

     One of the great things about algae is that it can be grown anywhere: ponds, tubes, and even large bags (so long as it get the vitamins, minerals, and sunlight it needs...it doesn't even need fresh water or soil). Typically they are located as near to waste water and pollution sources as possible. This not only means that we don't have to waste good crop land, but also means that we can now use places that before had no purpose. Algae can also be grown at any time and doesn't depend on the seasons like other biofuels. This makes it far more efficient. 

     Algae had 93% less of a greenhouse gas footprint than our typical gas nowadays. The reason it's not 100% less is because it does emit carbon while being burned, but we hope this can soon be easily fixed.  

Con's -

     However, while algae is great for land-usage, etc... it does use more water (although not necessarily fresh water) and produces more CO'2. In fact, it also doesn't work well as gas in the colds, however, it might be possible to solve this problem by mixing algae biofuel with other biofuels. Also, the world is running out of phosphorus (a major component in fertilizer), which is a major problem if we are to grow many acres of algae biofuel. Finally, the world just can't produce enough algae biofuel to support out fuel demands currently. Let's not focus on the con's anymore, though, and instead learn about the methods of production.

Production -

      The first way to grow algae biofuel was in ponds, which had multiple problems such as contamination. However, scientists have now created a bioreactor which not only protects the algae, but in fact allows it to be grown in the ideal conditions. Still, bioreactors have their problems such as cost. Hopefully these problems will all be solved shortly, though. By doing so we will finally be able to limit pollution emissions significantly.

For more information, check out http://news.thomasnet.com/green_clean/2013/02/19/biofuel-from-algae-part-one-the-pros-and-cons-of-pond-scum/

Next Week: Renewable Energy: Algae Biofuel Part 2

Opening of my New Blog!

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